Document Type : Review articles
Authors
1
university of Al-Qasim Green University
2
Department of Environmental Health, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Al-Muthanna University, Al-Rumaytha, 66002, Iraq.
Abstract
The expansion of various nanotechnology applications leads to the transfer of nanoparticles of various types, shapes, and sizes into aquatic systems, causing serious effects on humans, plants, animals, and other organisms. This prompts researchers to study the behavior, transport, and effects of these particles on biological systems, particularly to gain a deeper understanding of the hazardous effects of nanoparticles. Nanomaterials enter the food chain through multiple pathways, including industrial waste, sewage, and agricultural runoff. They are absorbed by aquatic organisms such as algae and bacteria and are then transferred to larger organisms via predation, leading to bioaccumulation at higher trophic levels such as fish, birds, and humans. Over time, this accumulation multiplies the effects of pollution. Prolonged exposure to these materials can lead to serious health problems, such as liver toxicity, lung damage, and cancer, especially when particles accumulate in tissues and organs. The main mechanisms of toxicity include free radical formation, membrane damage, and interference with cellular metabolism, leading to tissue damage and death. Therefore, there is an urgent need for extensive studies to better understand the environmental and biological effects of nanomaterials, with the aim of developing effective methods to mitigate their toxic effects on ecosystems and human health.
Keywords
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